Clinical Study Functional Exercise and Physical - ODA

Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Stroke Research and Treatment
Volume 2012, Article ID 864835, 9 pages
doi:10.1155/2012/864835
Clinical Study
Functional Exercise and Physical Fitness Post Stroke:
The Importance of Exercise Maintenance for Motor Control and
Physical Fitness after Stroke
Birgitta Langhammer1 and Birgitta Lindmark2
1 Physiotherapy
Programme, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo University College, Box 4, Sanct Olavs pl, 0130 Oslo, Norway
University Hospital, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Entrance 15,
751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
2 Physiotherapy,
Correspondence should be addressed to Birgitta Langhammer, Birgitta.Langhammer@hioa.no
Received 18 July 2011; Revised 15 September 2011; Accepted 11 October 2011
Academic Editor: Agnès Roby-Brami
Copyright © 2012 B. Langhammer and B. Lindmark. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons
Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is
properly cited.
It is argued that all stroke patients, indifferent of disability, have the same possibility to improve with training. The aim of the study
was to follow and register functional improvements in two groups with different functional capacities at baseline for a period of
36 months. Stroke patients were recruited and divided into groups related to their functional status at baseline. During the acute
rehabilitation, both groups received functional task-oriented training, followed by regular self- or therapeutic driven training the
first year after stroke and varied exercise patterns the following 24 months. The participants were tested on admission, and at three,
six, twelve, and thirty-six months after the onset of stroke. Both groups improved functional activity up to six months which then
stabilized up to twelve months to decline somewhat at thirty-six months after stroke. Change scores indicate a greater potential
for rehabilitation in the MAS ≤35 in relation to group MAS >35 although the functional capacity was higher in the latter. This
indicates the importance of maintaining exercise and training for all persons after stroke.
1. Introduction
Stroke care has undergone major changes in the last 15–20
years in the western world. New treatments, diagnostic tools,
and the implementation of stroke units with multidisciplinary rehabilitation are now the golden standard in the
acute treatment of stroke and have improved the possibilities
for survival and to resume life in the home [1–6]. A major
part of the efficacy of the stroke unit is the focus on early
mobilization and rehabilitation with task-oriented training
which implies the importance of exercise to achieve optimal
function. Task-oriented exercise are shown to be most effective to attain optimal motor function and independence in
activities in the acute rehabilitation [7, 8]. The importance of
exercise and training after stroke has also been documented
[9–11]. Studies have shown that persons with stroke, given
the opportunity to exercise in the year after stroke, maintain
their functional status after the initial rehabilitation and
improve function [9–12]. Regular exercises were sustained
both with an organised and a voluntary follow-up regimen
during the first 12 months after stroke. In the longitudinal
randomised controlled trial, both groups received functional
task-oriented training tailored according to their specific
needs during the acute period of rehabilitation. At discharge
from the acute hospital, patients were randomised into different groups. Patients allocated to an organised exercise
group were scheduled to have four periods of physiotherapy
during the first year after their stroke, with a minimum
amount of 80 hours exercise. The exercises were in this group
focused on intensive functional endurance, strength, and balance exercises. The patients belonging to the voluntary exercise group were not sent for follow-up treatment on a regular
basis but were tested regularly to the same extent as the organised group [10–12]. The result one year after stroke
showed that amount and intensity of exercise was high in
both groups, with therapeutically steered training in the organised exercise group and self-initiated training in the voluntary exercise group. Frequency of training per week in the
2
organised group was 2.1 times per week and in the voluntary
group 2.2 times per week. The patients improved to the
same degree in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living and
6-Minute Walk Test, Berg Balance Scale, Timed-Up-and-Go,
and grip strength, and without increasing muscle tone. The
results also showed that improvements in walking capacity
and balance were especially important for increased activities in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living and participation in society. This is in sharp contrast to no physical activity, exercise, or training after stroke where decline of function show is a progressing pattern in motor function and
activities of daily living [13]. A reduction of physical fitness
and strength has also been reported for persons with stroke
in other studies [14–18].
Furthermore, it is argued that all stroke patients, indifferent of disability, have the same possibility to improve with
training [19]. On the other hand, no study has had a sole
focus on this difference in a stroke population. It is established that the effect of training will be greater in persons
with little or poor ability versus the more trained person [20].
However, among persons with stroke, this seems to be reverse, and rehabilitation clinics indicate a slower progress for
persons with more severe stroke at onset [21].
These results underline the importance of physical activity, exercise, and training for all persons with stroke, with focus on both capacities in body functions and activities. However, subgroups with minor, moderate, and severe deficits
after stroke might possibly have different goals and needs
when it comes to type of exercise after stroke. A person
with minor stroke might be able to return to the almost the
same physical level as before the stroke and may be able to
use the different possibilities for physical activities that exist outside the health services. Persons with moderate and
major strokes, on the other hand, may have need for adapted
physical activities and exercises in order to maintain optimal
function. These services are more limited and perhaps not so
easily accessed.
The principal aim of the study was to investigate how
motor function, balance, mobility, walking capacity, and
activity patterns may differ between two groups with different functional capacities at baseline. Another aim was to follow functional improvements during and postrehabilitation
in the groups during and after interventions in a 36-month
period.
It was hypothesized that there would be a significant difference between the groups in functions but that both groups
would improve in all functional activities, inline with current
theories. However, it is expected that the functional gains
during the rehabilitation and poststroke period would be
lower in persons with a major disability at baseline than in
those with a moderate to minor disability. Furthermore, it
was hypothesized that the first group would be slightly slower
in their progress of improvement than the latter.
2. Method
2.1. Subjects. The participants were 75 persons with stroke
divided into two groups, according to motor function after
stroke. The participants were recruited for an intervention
Stroke Research and Treatment
study and a randomized controlled trial, described in other
articles [10–12]. Patients with stroke were consecutively
screened for inclusion. Inclusion criteria were first time ever
stroke with neurological signs and voluntary participation.
The information about the intervention study was given in
writing and verbally. An informed consent was obtained by
methods approved by the Regional Committee of Medical
Research Ethics of Norway. The material in this new study
has been reanalyzed; groups have been rearranged according
to better or poorer motor function as measured with Motor
Assessment Scale [22]. Scores ranging from 0 to 35 were
considered as having a major functional disability and are
hence called MAS group <35 (n = 37; after 36 month n =
27), and persons with scores from 36 to 48, which indicates
a moderate-to-minor disability, are called MAS group >35
(n = 38; after 36 months n = 33). The division of Motor
Assessment Score <35> is significantly correlated to BI <60>
(P = 0.001, r = 0.7) [23]. The score, <60, in Barthel Index
has been used as cut score for prediction of placement in a
nursing home [24].
2.2. Outcome Measures. A test protocol consisting of the Motor Assessment Scale (MAS) [22], Berg Balance Scale (BBS)
[25], Timed Up and Go TUG) [26], 6-Minute Walk Test
(6MWT) [27], and the Barthel Index of Activities of Daily
Living (BI) [23] was used.
The patients were tested on admission, and at three,
twelve, and thirty-six months after the onset of stroke by
an experienced investigator, blinded to group allocation. The
tests were performed in the general hospital, in the patients’
homes, and in community service centres.
The Motor Assessment Scale is a test of motor function developed by Carr et al. [22]. Each item scores from 0 = no
function to 6 = normal function. Hence, the total scores of
the eight items range between 0 and 48. The test has been
shown to have high inter- (r = 0.89 to 0.99) and intrareliability (r = 0.87 to 0.98), and high construct cross-sectional
validity (r = 0.88 and r = 0.96) [28].
The Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living is a test of
primary activities of daily living (ADL) developed by Mahoney and Barthel [23] for the purpose of measuring functional
independence in personal care and mobility. The items are
weighted differently. The scores reflect the amount of time
and assistance required by a client. A score of 0 (complete dependence), 5, 10, or 15 is assigned to each level, with a possible total score of 100 (totally independent). The test has
high scores for inter- (r = 0.70 to 0.88), and intrareliability
(r = 0.84 and r = 0.98) and construct cross-sectional validity
(r = 0.73 to 0.77) [28]. Scores below 60 indicate a need for
institutional care [24].
Walking capacity was monitored by the 6-Minute Walk
Test, using a standardised protocol [27]. The 6MWT was
performed in an 85 m long corridor in the hospital or different institutions. In patients’ homes, this test was preferably
performed outdoors on an 85 m long stretch on an even level.
Indoors in patients’ homes the longest stretch was chosen,
but this was done only twice with two patients, 6 and 12
months after stroke. The patients were encouraged to walk
as long a distance as they could in 6 minutes (m), and this
Stroke Research and Treatment
was registered as well as gait velocity (m/s). The 6MWT is
also used to assess exercise tolerance [29, 30], thus measuring
functional exercise capacity. Gait velocity has been tested
among elderly individuals for validity and reliability, with
satisfactory results [28, 31], and it has also been used in several stroke studies [32].
The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is a balance test consisting
of 14 items, scored from 0 = no balance to 4 = full balance
[25]. This scale has been found to be especially sensitive
for the detection of risks of falls in frail elderly persons. An
overall score of less than 45 points, out of a maximum of 56,
is associated with a 2.7 times increase in the risk of a future
fall [33]. The BBS has been used in many studies and has
been tested for reliability and validity with good results [28].
Timed Up and Go (TUG) is a functional mobility test that
is used in the clinic to evaluate dynamic balance, gait, and
transfers [26]. The patient is asked to get up from a chair
(46 cm high), with support for the arms, walk three meters,
turn, go back, and sit down. The physiotherapist monitors
the time taken from the start to the end, when the patient is
seated. The test is valid and reliable for function and transfers
indoors for frail elderly and has been used in several studies
[26, 28, 31].
2.3. Intervention. During the acute phase of rehabilitation at
the hospital, both groups received functional task-oriented
training tailored to their specific needs. In the original study,
the patients were randomised into two separate groups, an
intensive exercise group, and a regular exercise group. The
subsequent training for the intensive exercise group included
a functional exercise programme with emphasis on high intensity of endurance, strength, and balance for the whole
first year after stroke. The patients in the regular exercise followed regular procedures with no specific exercises but were
tested regularly, as described elsewhere [10–12]. However,
both groups were equally active in this first year after stroke
and both maintained function, as opposed to earlier studies with no activities after stroke [13]. When the groups were
rearranged in functional capacity groups, the exercise patterns at 36 months after stroke showed no significant difference between the groups (P = 0.6). In the MAS group <35
a total of 73% were active with regular exercise with a coach
(53%) or self-training (20%) versus MAS group >35, where
82% were active, 50% with self-training, and 32% with a
coach during the first year after stroke.
2.4. Statistical Analysis. The results were analysed in an SPSS
programme version 19. Descriptive statistics were used to
summarise demographic, stroke, and baseline characteristics. All analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat
basis. Baseline demographics and exercise levels between
groups were performed with a one-way analysis of variance.
The functional groups MAS <35> were analysed in a general linear model for repeated measurements, with mixed between-within subjects analysis of variance (ANOVA) was
performed, using change from baseline, 3, 12, and 36 months
after stroke in MAS, BBS, BI, TUG, and 6MWT. Furthermore, the same functional groups MAS <35> were analysed
in relation to the original exercise groups’ stratification,
3
Table 1: Demographics at baseline when admitted to the hospital
in the two groups MAS ≤35 and MAS >35.
Age (years)
Males/females
Days in hospital
Medication per day
Systolic blood pressure
Diastolic
Cerebral infarction/
haemorrhage
Right/left
Married/single
Community support/none
Group MAS
<35 (n = 37)
76.8 (12.9)
20/17
27.5 (9.7)
6.1 (3.1)
167.4 (39)
93.9 (19.5)
Group MAS
P-value
>35 (n = 38)
70.2 (12.9)
0.03
23/15
0.6
10.6 (6.7)
0.001
5.9 (3.2)
0.8
153.8 (28.6)
0.09
85.4 (19.3)
0.06
28/9
37/1
0.08
17/20
23/14
8/29
21/17
20/18
2/36
0.4
0.7
0.2
Table 2: Change scores in mean and SD between baseline and
36 months after stroke in two groups in Motor Assessment Scale
(MAS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Barthel Index (BI), Timed Up
and Go (TUG), 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and P-values.
MAS
BBS
BI
TUG
6MWT
MAS <35
(n = 27)
13.2 (13.8)
18.9 (20.7)
35 (38)
+8.6 (35.0)
152.2 (170.4)
MAS >35
(n = 37)
2 (3.3)
4.3 (11.3)
4.7 (9.8)
−3.5 (6.0)
194.5 (167.9)
P-value
0.001
0.001
0.001
0.06
0.3
presented in an earlier study [10–12], in a general linear
model multivariate analysis. The significance level was set at
P < 0.05.
3. Results
Demographic and descriptive data indicate that group MAS
<35 was significantly older, initially spent more days in the
hospital/rehabilitation unit, and had higher blood pressure
than MAS >35 during the period of the study (Table 1).
There were significant differences between the groups, as
expected, in total MAS (P < 0.001), BBS (P < 0.001),
TUG (P < 0.001), 6MWT (P < 0.001), and BI (P <
0.001) (Table 2) at all test occasions. The Group MAS <35
had lower scores in all tests than group MAS >35 overall,
motor function (MAS) were on admission 15.3 versus 44.4
and at 36 months 29 versus 47. The scores for balance
(BBS) at the same time periods were 10 versus 50 and 29
versus 53, respectively. Activities of daily living (BI) presented
total scores 31 versus 94 and 66 versus 99 in the same
groups. Mobility (TUG) presented slower performance in
MAS <35 than MAS >35 at baseline 17 s versus 11 s, and at
36 months after stroke 26 s versus 7.6 s, and walking capacity
was shorter, 46 m versus 370 m, 198 m versus 565 m in the
groups, respectively.
However, both groups improved their motor function
as measured with MAS (Figure 2), ADL as measured with
4
Stroke Research and Treatment
50
Included in the study
n = 75
MAS group <35
baseline
n = 37
MAS group >35
baseline
n = 38
Three months
n = 31
Three months
n = 34
Six months
n = 31
Six months
n = 34
Twelve months
n = 29
Twelve months
n = 34
Mean score
40
30
20
10
0
Thirty-six months
n = 27
Thirty-six months
n = 33
MAS <35
Figure 2: Motor function measured with Motor Assessment Scale
total score in the groups MAS <35 (1) and MAS >35 (2) at baseline,
discharge, 3, 6, 12, and 36 months, presented in mean with indicated
standard errors.
Figure 1: Flow chart of numbers of patients included in the study
at each test occasion during a 26-month period.
4. Discussion
4.1. Improvement Pattern. Both groups improved their
capacities and function up till six months after stroke where
120
100
80
Mean score
BI (Figure 3), balance as measured with BBS (Figure 4), and
mobility as measured with TUG (Figure 5) up till six months
were it stabilized and stayed till twelve months for to slightly
decline. This tendency was in general more prominent in
the Group MAS <35. However, change scores showing the
rate of improvement from baseline to 36 months after stroke
indicated a greater potential for rehabilitation in the MAS
<35 in relation to group MAS >35 (Table 2).
Walking capacity (6MWT) improved up till twelve
months in both groups, for to show slight deterioration in
both groups at the 36-month followup (Figure 6).
The functional groups MAS <35 and MAS >35 analyzed
within the original different exercise regimens showed the
same significant differences between functional status in total
MAS scores (P < 0.001), BI (P < 001), BBS (P < 0.001), TUG
(P < 0.001), and 6MWT (P < 0.001). However, an interesting
indication was observed between the organized exercise—
and voluntary exercise group regarding improvements from
six months to twelve and thirty-six months after stroke in
both MAS <35 and MAS >35 (Figure 7). Voluntary exercise
group showed a slightly better maintenance of function
in both MAS <35 and MAS >35 at twelve and thirty-six
months after stroke as exemplified by the 6 Minute Walk
Test (Figure 7), the difference was not significant (P = 0.6,
P = 0.3) but the tendency was the same in MAS, BI, BBS,
and TUG tests.
MAS >35
Motor assessment scale total score
60
40
20
0
MAS <35
MAS >35
Barthel Index activities of daily living
Figure 3: Barthel Index activities of daily living in the groups MAS
<35 (1) and MAS >35 (2) at baseline, discharge, 3, 6, 12, and 36
months after stroke, presented in mean total scores with indicated
standard error.
the gains plateaued for motor function, balance, mobility,
and ADL. The findings are inline with, and confirm results
from other studies that motor function, and activities show
a pattern of improvement up till three to six months after
stroke [34, 35]. The peak of performance and optimal function seems to be established at six months after stroke [10–
12, 34, 35]. The regained optimal performance is dependent
on maintenance of capacities and activities in order to be
Stroke Research and Treatment
5
60
600
Mean distance
50
Mean score
40
30
400
20
200
10
0
0
MAS >35
MAS <35
Berg balance scale total score
Figure 4: Balance measured with Berg Balance Scale in the groups
MAS <35 (1) and MAS >35 (2) at baseline, discharge, 3, 6, 12, and
36 months after stroke, presented in mean scores with indicated
standard error.
40
Mean time in seconds
30
20
10
0
MAS <35
MAS >35
Time UP and Go
Figure 5: Timed Up and Go in the groups MAS <35 (1) and MAS
>35 (2) at baseline, discharge, 3, 6, 12, and 36 months after stroke,
presented in mean time with indicated standard error.
sustained, and if training is not provided the performance is
likely to deteriorate [13]. This is inline with physical function
in the general population and the recommendations for
physical activity [20].
Motor function, balance, and ADL, on the other hand in
the MAS group <35, had a steeper improvement pattern than
in the MAS group >35 which indicated that persons with
moderate and severe stroke are highly susceptible for exercise
and training although they did not reach the same functional
MAS <35
MAS >35
6 (min) walk test
Figure 6: Walking capacity measured with 6 Minute Walk Test in
the groups MAS <35 (1) and MAS >35 (2) at baseline, discharge,
3, 6, 12, and 36 months after stroke, presented in mean distance
walked with indicated standard error.
levels as persons with minor stroke. This is inline with other
studies, which have shown that persons with a low capacity
increase their capacity to a higher degree than a person who
has higher capacity, if exercising [20].
Mobility, as measured with Timed Up and Go, stabilized
at six months, then deteriorated in the MAS group <35,
but remained stable in MAS group >35 (Table 2). The task
getting up from a chair, move around, and return to the chair
is repeated several times during the day, and, thus, in theory,
it would be maintained, as hypothesized in the “use it or
lose it” theory [36]. The MAS group >35 presents scores that
are well within the limits for a comparable group of healthy
elderlies already at three months after stroke and maintain
this function on a group level up till 36 months. The
MAS <35, however, had difficulty with the task at baseline
and instead of improving as time passed, they deteriorated
and, on a group level, they were much slower than their
healthy counterparts and the MAS group >35 at 36 months.
Explanatory factors might be that the task is complex and
requires power, coordination, and perception to a higher
degree than walking on an even surface. The bodily capacities
strength and power are known to deteriorate with age [16–
18]. In combination with the paresis in a patient with stroke,
which might lead to poor coordination and in combination
with reduced perception, it will have severe influence on performance, more so in a complex than in a simple task. One
might also speculate if the combination of reduced capacity
in several body functions after a stroke in combination with
age-related changes might reinforce each other.
Walking capacity in terms of distance but also in speed
showed a slightly different pattern than the other parameters
in this study. The improvement continued up till twelve
months, for to stabilize and then slightly show deterioration
6
Stroke Research and Treatment
Mean distance
600
400
200
0
1
2
3
4
6 (min) walk test
5
6
MAS <35 organised exercise
MAS <35 voluntary exercise
MAS >35 organised exercise
MAS >35 voluntary exercise
MAS <35 organised exercise
MAS <35 voluntary exercise
MAS >35 organised exercise
MAS >35 voluntary exercise
Figure 7: Walked distance measured with 6 Minute Walk Test at
baseline, discharge, 3, 6, 12, and 36 months after stroke. Groups are
divided in functional level: MAS <35> and subgroups: organized
versus voluntary exercise.
at the assessment at 36 months after stroke (Table 2). Exercises were maintained up till one year in the original trial,
and exercise patterns were similar in frequency and intensity
in both groups, and as a consequence the functional capacity
was also maintained up to one year [10–12]. But, as the trial
ended, so did the regular tests and support from the research
team to the participants and as a result functional capacity
slightly declined inline with use-it-or-loose-it theories [36].
However, the decline in walking capacity at three years was
more severe for in the MAS group <35, because of the lower
capacity at baseline and at the 12-month assessment. This
indicates the importance of some sort of extra exercises in
this group. The energy cost when walking with less motor
function will be higher, and asymmetry may impose more
strain on structures, joints, and weight bearing soft-tissue
which might cause pain or discomfort, all of which will
indirect influence capacity and endurance [37].
The fact that our better performers had a slower progress
on the scales MAS, BBS, and BI is to some extent explained
by the fact that they reach maximum scores/ceiling effect,
faster than the poorer performers. Scores in MAS, BBS, and
BI are ordinal scales compared with the outcome measures
6MWT and TUG which, on the other hand, are quantitative
and therefore there is no floor or ceiling effect [28]. So, for
high performers, the ordinal scale becomes less sensitive to
change than for the low performers.
4.2. Difference in Performance between the Functional Groups.
The groups were divided according to their function at
baseline. This also turned out to be predicative for their
longitudinal development, where MAS group <35 showed a
lower performance all through the three years as compared
to MAS group >35. This supported the first part of the
hypothesis that the functional gain during the period would
be lower in persons with more severe stroke. However, the
MAS group <35 improved their scores approximately with
46% in MAS, 73% in 6MWT, 65% in BBS, and 53 in % BI
compared to the MAS group >35 with 4% in MAS, 25%
in 6MWT, 8% in BBS, and 5% in BI from baseline to three
months after stroke (Table 2). The improvements in the MAS
<35 group were major, and, in regard to priority discussions,
for whom rehabilitation is worthwhile, this would indicate
that persons with <35 on a MAS total score should be at
focus for rehabilitation. This was contrary to our second
part of the initial hypothesis that progress in rehabilitation
would go slower. Instead it went faster in the group with
poorer function. The same tendency has also been observed
in regard to poor physical function and physical activity
among healthy persons where the persons with less physical
capacity gain function in a more rapid tempo than their
counterparts with a better physical capacity at baseline [20].
On the other hand, the MAS group <35 had in total
scores function and capacity below norm levels in walking,
mobility, with fall risk, and dependence in ADL, whereas
the MAS group >35 was comparable to healthy counterparts
[31]. Also in regard to TUG, the MAS group <35 showed
a decline with 33% compared to MAS group >35, which
improved with 46% from baseline to 36 months after stroke
(Table 2). This indicated that TUG, as a complex functional
activity, might be predictive of function to a higher degree
than the other outcome measures used in this study.
4.3. Improvement Pattern and Performance in the Functional
Groups in Relation to Exercise. The improvement patterns
showed the same directions when analyzed in the original exercise groups in regard to function. The MAS >35 group was
stronger in performance, but the MAS <35 group showed a
steeper improvement curve. However, the exercise regimens,
organized versus voluntary, had an interesting influence on
performance 6, 12, and 36 months after stroke in favor
of voluntary exercises both for MAS <35 and MAS >35
(Figure 7). This tendency underlines the importance of empowerment and self-efficacy for the individual in a longterm context of rehabilitation but also for motor learning
[38]. Both persons in MAS <35 and MAS >35 had a better progress when they could decide themselves when and
how the physical exercise should take place (Figure 7). All
persons participating in the studies were tested regularly.
This had a positive influence in itself on motivation and goal
achievement [10–12]. However, the organized exercise group
seemed to be more reliant on their “contact PT” to maintain exercises, whereas the voluntary group themselves organized their training in accordance with the possibilities
provided in the community. So, the voluntary group was
equally active and frequency of exercise was the same as in
the organized group [10–12]. The results indicate enhanced
Stroke Research and Treatment
empowerment and health-related quality of life in favor of
the voluntary group for both MAS <35> [11]. Explanatory
factors may be that in order to make the rehabilitation process “your own,” to learn, retain and transfer motor abilities,
internal augmentation is of main importance, rather than
external augmentation from a therapist. It seems vital that
the individual is personally involved and motivated in the
planning and execution of training. The tendencies in this
study show that this is equally applicable to persons with high
and low functional level after stroke (Figure 7).
The exercises were in the organized group standardized
so that the participants should maintain a high intensity, 2-3
times a week. In combination with daily activities, this was
hypothesized to facilitate and maintain motor learning and
improve physical fitness [39]. The voluntary group, on the
other hand, decided their time and exercise schedules, from
their individual status, based on their test results. The intensity levels of the programmes were reported by the participants themselves, and there was no control other than the
test occasions. Endurance capacity was indirectly measured
with 6MWT, and the tendency of the group supports the
impression of increased capacity in the voluntary group
compared to the organized (Figure 7).
However, as the registration of exercise levels showed,
both groups exercised on a higher intensity than what is defined as physical activity [20, 39]. Despite this, the results
indicate a poorer physical fitness level (6MWT) in the MAS
<35 group than MAS >35 group at both 12 and 36 months,
216 m versus 577 m, and 198 m versus 565 m, respectively. In
comparison, a healthy older person of the same mean age and
nationality perform is mean 617 m (SD 78.6) [40].
These results capture the difficulty with rehabilitation
where persons that can achieve independence are at priority.
The persons gaining most function from rehabilitation does
not seem to be the ones that will gain independence but the
ones that will still need some assistance. So, in many ways,
the functional gains the MAS group <35 achieved are very
important in view of secondary problems after stroke like
immobility, pain, and incontinence. The improvements will
not only have an impact on health-related quality of life,
family life, and the individual’s coping strategies, but one
would assume also for health care costs.
The impressive improvements in the MAS <35 indicates
a need for alternative rehabilitation for this disabled, but not
independent group also in a longitudinal perspective. The
MAS group <35 had not the bodily capacities which enables
them to maintain function on a self-supportive level as the
“use-it-or-lose-it” theory implies.
The MAS group >35, on the other hand, seems to be able
to return to their ordinary lives and achieve a high functioning level with little or no problems in motor function, balance, mobility, and activities of daily living (Table 2). The
abilities seem to be maintained through “daily use” and
through self-training. This is inline with the “use-it-or looseit” theories, but it also underlines the fact that in order
for this theory to be valid, the individual needs the bodily
capacities to be able to “use it.”
There are some weaknesses in this study. The sample
size was relatively small at three-year followup (Figure 1)
7
due to several factors. In many ways, this illuminates a typical development over time in a population of stroke; mortality is high in this group; in addition dementia is not un-common as part of the secondary problems a person with stroke
might encounter and some dropped out because it was
too strenuous to get to the clinic for a test. A larger sample size would have made up for the dropouts and the results
less vulnerable, but this was not an option in this study
from the beginning. Another weakness is related to exercises which were not standardized from one year till three
years after stroke, neither were they standardized in time, but
there are to our knowledge no studies indicating any particular recommendations in this respect. Rather the contrary,
persons with stroke are expected to continue their lives
and social roles and cease being patients after their initial
rehabilitation.
5. Conclusion
The functional capacities in acute stroke patients have a major impact on motor function, balance, mobility, and activity
of daily living in a longitudinal perspective, where persons
with stroke with MAS <35 at baseline show a lower performance in all our tests from baseline to 36 months after
stroke. MAS group >35 improved functional abilities over
the three years and could return to their homes and social
roles. However, stroke patients with MAS <35 at baseline
showed a better improvement relatively, thus indicating the
importance of maintenance of exercise and training after
stroke for all persons with stroke. The importance of possibilities to maintain function after stroke regardless of functional level was also confirmed.
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